Booklist


Age
4 to 8
Category
Animalia
Genre/Format
Fictional Picture Book
999 Tadpoles
Author
Ken Kimura
Illustrator
Yasunuri Murakami
When Mother and Father Frog's 999 tadpoles begin to grow into frogs, their little pond starts to feel too small and the frogs must look for a new home. When they run into some dangerous predators looking for a bite to eat, the tadpole siblings have to use their brains to find a way to save their family. This book was originally published in Japan in 2003. Readers will enjoy this amusing, fast-paced tale.

Age
5 to 11
Category
Animalia
Genre/Format
Autobiographical Picture Book
A Boy and A Jaguar
Author
Alan Rabinowitz
Illustrator
Catia Chien
As a child, noted scientist and conservationist Allan Rabinowitz struggles with stuttering. Animals are the only ones he can share his hopes and dreams fluently with, and he swears that when he finds his voice, he will use it to protect them. Eventually, Allan finds his way to Belize to study jaguars. Given only 15 minutes, he must find his voice to convince the government to establish the world's first jaguar reserve.
A powerful story of a boy with a special connection to animals.

Age
4 to 7
Category
Up in the Air
Genre/Format
Poetry
A Round of Robins
Author
Katie Hesterman
Illustrator
Sergio Ruzzier

Age
3 to 6
Category
Up in the Air
Genre/Format
Picture Book
A Trip Into Space
Author
Lori Haskins Houran
Illustrator
Francisca Marquez

Age
5 to 10
Category
Up in the Air
Genre/Format
Nonfiction Picture Book
Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride
Author
Pam Munoz Ryan
Illustrator
Brian Selznick

Age
4 to 8
Category
Animalia
Genre/Format
Fictional Picture Book
And Tango Makes Three
Author
Justin Richardson,Peter Parnell
Illustrator
Henry Cole
Based on a true story, this heartwarming book introduces readers to Roy and Silo, a male penguin couple who want nothing more than a baby of their own. When another penguin couple are unable to care for an egg, the zoo keeper gives it to Roy and Silo and soon baby Tango is born. The American Library Associations' most challenged book from 2006 to 2009, the story of Roy and Silo shows readers that families come in all shapes and sizes.

Age
4 to 8
Category
Animalia
Genre/Format
Fictional Picture Book
Baby Bear
Author
Kedir Nelson
Illustrator
Baby Bear is lost and can't find his way home. He consults with different forest animals to find his way, and in the end, realizes he has been home all along. Kadir Nelson's illustrations are stunning. The sky changes from night to dawn as baby bear and salmon swim up the river, silhouetted by an orangey-blue sky. A beautifully illustrated, touching and inspirational read.

Age
3 to 9
Category
Art Attack
Genre/Format
Folklore,Fictional Picture Book
Beautiful
Blackbird
Author
Ashley Bryan
Illustrator
Author and illustrator Ashley Bryant brings readers an adaptation the traditional Zambian tale of the blackbird who decides to share some of his black color with the other birds, who are jealous of his beautiful color. Bryant's brightly colored papercut birds are a feast for the eyes. Young audiences will be captivated by this musical, lively story.

Age
4+
Category
Art Attack
Genre/Format
Fictional Picture Book
Beautiful
Oops
Author
Barney Saltzberg
Illustrator
This innovative book shows readers how an "oops" can be turned into something beautiful, from a torn paper to paint splotters. An encouraging message for readers of all ages on the importance of embracing mistakes as part of the artistic process.

Age
4+
Category
Animalia
Genre/Format
Fictional Picture Book
Best Pet of All
Author
David LaRochelle
Illustrator
Hanako Wakiyama
Kids and adults alike will appreciate this humorous picture book about a young boy who is dying to get a pet dog. His mom says no to his requests for a dog but allows him to get a pet dragon. Dragons, they soon learn, do not make very good pets and, before long, the boy's mom decides that maybe a dog would not be such a bad idea after all.

Age
4 to 8
Category
Animalia
Genre/Format
Fictional Picture Book
Bird, Butterfly, Eel
Author
James Prosek
Illustrator
Bird, butterfly, and eel spend their summers on a farm in Eastern U.S., but when fall comes, they must make their way to different corners of the world. James Prosek's exquisite water color illustrations allow readers to accompany bird, butterfly, and eel on the journey from the farm to their winter homes and back again. This visually-pleasing book will teach readers about the amazing migrations many animals make each year.